AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to impart knowledge on the structure and complexity of the eukaryotic genome, its structural and functional organization. Additionally, it seeks to clarify the mechanisms responsible for genome stability, such as replication accuracy and DNA repair mechanisms. Special emphasis is placed on the regulation of gene expression in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Finally, the module provides an overview of molecular biology techniques relevant to the production of biotechnological drugs. The course is conducted interactively, aiming to engage students in theoretical experiments and encourage them to develop hypotheses and potential experimental strategies to test them.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures are organized to actively engage participants in problem-solving activities, aimed at applying the knowledge acquired.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department ( Prof. Luca Raiteri, Luca.Raiteri@unige.it ) before class begins, in order to liaise and arrange the specific learning methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes. VERY IMPORTANT: any request for compensatory tools and adaptations in the exam MUST be done within 10 working days before the date of the exam according to the instructions that can be found at https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/comunicazioni

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The 24-hour module is an intensive course aimed at providing, in three CFU (Crediti Formativi Universitari), fundamental knowledge of contemporary Molecular Biology and an overview of new techniques relevant to the production of biotechnological drugs. Specifically, the topics covered will be:

1. Recap of basic concepts: biomolecules, biological reactions, enzymatic catalysis. The genetic code and reading frames.
2. Genes and Genomes, evolution of genomes. Composition and organization of the eukaryotic genome.
3. DNA replication and its accuracy. DNA damage repair mechanisms.
4. Gene expression regulation in prokaryotes: promoters, repressors, attenuators, and riboswitches.
5. Gene expression regulation in eukaryotes: eukaryotic promoter, enhancers, insulators, LCRs. Chromatin management and epigenetic information.
6. Gene expression regulation in eukaryotes: post-transcriptional events. Alternative splicing. mRNA nuclear-cytoplasmic transport.
7. mRNA stability. microRNAs.
8. Translation and mechanisms ensuring accuracy. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, GTPase control.
9. Recombinant DNA techniques. Genomic libraries and screening strategies.
10. DNA hybridization techniques.
11. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
12. DNA sequencing. Sanger method, automatic sequencers, and next-generation sequencing.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bruce Alberts et al. L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula (5° edizione)

Bruce Alberts et al. Biologia molecolare della cellula (6° edizione)

Watson J. Biologia molecolare del gene (8° edizione)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral Exam (about 30/40 minutes)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam for the Molecular Biology module is designed to assess not only students' ability to memorize and repeat information, but primarily their capacity to apply acquired knowledge critically and constructively. Questions will encompass the entire course curriculum, focusing on the ability to organize answers logically and coherently, and to effectively apply learned knowledge to solve new problems. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis, depth of individual study, mastery of concepts, and the ability to connect them to other knowledge gained throughout the course.

Exam schedule